BFP underscores ‘self-awareness’ for fire safety

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Negros Occidental highlighted the significance of self-awareness for fire safety, during this year’s Fire Prevention Month.

Dubbed “Matuto Ka, Sunog ay Iwasan Na,” this year’s celebration kicked off with a flash mob performance of around 100 BFP personnel from different fire stations in the province held at SM City Bacolod on Sunday. It was followed by a motorcade in the respective localities, the following day.

Senior Superintendent Pamela Candido, Negros Occidental fire marshal, said the flash mob performance of the firefighters was like a community dancing to launch the fire safety and prevention measures of the BFP.

Candido said that they are advocating self-awareness, stressing that “fire prevention starts at home.”

Candido said they are also reaching out to the communities to identify fire prone areas in every locality.

She said that fire prone areas are those considered congested, highly populated, houses made of light materials, and the distance of the area to the fire station.

“We have identified these areas and we’re working out the safety measures with their respective fire station personnel,” she added.

Despite the insufficiency of personnel, Candido said that the 463 BFP personnel in the province are doing its best to effectively and efficiently deliver public service.

“We urge all local fire station personnel to go out of their way, to hold seminars, and conduct house to house visitation to remind the public about fire safety,” she added.

She said she’s very happy to know that local chief executives are extending support to their programs and advocacy, adding that safety should be the topmost priority.